Mrs. McCleery was born to Harry and Eva O’Brien on June 28, 1922, in Durango.

She was a graduate of Durango High School and received an associate’s degree from Fort Lewis College at Hesperus before enlisting in the U.S. Navy where she served for 30 months as an aviation mechanic during World War II. After the war she continued her education graduating with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Arizona State and New Mexico State universities, respectively.

Mrs. McCleery taught elementary education for 30 years before retiring to Durango. An avid swimmer, she enjoyed teaching swimming lessons during the summers. During retirement she competed several years in masters and seniors swimming meets. Other favorite activities included cross country skiing and horseback riding.

Mrs. McCleery held a strong private spiritual belief and was a member and financial supporter of the Episcopal Church since 1960. Until recent years, she was known for her delicious Christmas T-rings that she made for St. Mark’s Christmas bake sales.

Mrs. McCleery is survived by her husband of 66 years, Neil Boyd McCleery of Durango; sons, Wesley McCleery of Colorado Springs, Michael McCleery of Craig, and Neil McCleery of Durango; brother, Jack O’Brien of Cortez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has occurred. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday Jan. 19, 2013, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 East Third Ave. in Durango. The Rev. Ken Malcolm will be the celebrant. A reception will follow in the church’s rectory. The family will scatter her ashes at a later time.

In lieu of flowers donations, in Mrs. McCleery’s name, may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.